When the tv is on at home, it’s usually either on the design channel or food channel. I recently watched an episode of Anthony Bourdain in Provence and I couldn’t help but remember the time Peter and I spent there. Provence is truly magical. It’s like re-living one of Cezanne or Van Gogh’s paintings. Being there is like a dream. The faint smell of lavender in the air made me realize that it was not a dream, I really was in Provence.

To truly experience Provence, we rented a car and stayed at a lovely Chambre D’Hote in a typical Provençal village called Eyragues. Our Chambre D’Hote was surrounded by olive trees with a beautiful swimming pool that was owned by a lovely lady who decided to move there from Paris to take over her uncle’s Chambre D’Hote. Eyragues was the perfect village to stay at as we were less than an hour drive to some of the most beautiful villages in Provence like Saint Remy, Le Baux, Gordes, La Fontaine de Vaucluse, Rousillon, Bonnieux & Avignon. We visited all these villages, feasted on Provençal food, drank rosé and kept on telling ourselves that we need to retire here.

I sometimes find myself dreaming of living in Provence and running my own Chambre D’Hote. In my dream, I spend my days wandering around town, sipping pastis or Ricard with my Provençal friends while we exchange recipes and watch men play petanque. The warm sun and distinct smell of lavender surrounds us making everyday a perfect day. Then I would make my own bread & jams to serve my guests for breakfast as they tell me stories of where they’ve been and where they come from. Life moves slowly people come and go and the sun never leaves the sky

Provence  has a special place in my heart. The people are friendly, food is out of this world and the landscape so beautiful.

Nerissa posted this entry was on Sunday, June 27th, 2010 and is filed under Places, Travel. You can leave a comment, or trackback from your own site.